Danish Estates: Tom Eltang Smooth Volcano with Bamboo (Snail) (2008) Tobacco Pipe

The Volcano is a less commonly seen shape from Tom Eltang, with this 2008 piece being among only seven or so that we've ever received from the Danish artisan, and the first such design with bamboo. Displaying a jaunty, forward-leaning profile, thanks in part to its protruding rim and lifting, convex base, this piece retains the softened lines and gentle curves for which Tom's pieces are renowned. The rather hearty bowl maintains the classic form's wrapping line around the heel, along with a pronounced taper to the sloping rim. The upwardly curling, abbreviated shank is integrated by three knuckles of pale bamboo, the slender, pale material topped by a short, slim saddle stem. An expansion ring at its base precisely continues the circular shaping of the bamboo, the overall effect speaking to the artisan's expert craftsmanship. This Snail grade pipe is wearing one of Tom's older style of contrast stains, its smoky walnut hues highlighting stunning, tightly knit straight grain on all sides, with delightful swirls of birdseye saturating the underside.